The inner workings of my mind…scary stuff!

ANZAC Day and the Battle of Passchendaele

This week has been a very moving one for our family. A “Memorial Scroll” commemorating the sacrifice of the life of my great uncle, LIONEL EUSTACE PARKINSON (aged 20 years) at the Battle of Passchendaele on 12 October 1917 has finally found it’s way back home.

The scroll has lain buried behind a print in a picture frame belonging to the Harvey family of Australia since the 1940’s, as far as we can tell. When moving the picture recently, the frame fell apart and the scroll was revealed. Unsure of how the scroll got there, the Harvey’s felt obliged to return it to the family of the slain soldier, and my mother received a call (via another cousin) from a staff member at the Auckland Museum, trying to find links to the family of the soldier, Rifleman L. E. Parkinson.

After a quick browse through our family “bible”, “Parkinson of Opotiki”, we realised that Lionel Eustace Parkinson was the brother of my great-grandfather, Bert Parkinson. My mother remembers her grandfather always referring to him as “Uncle Dud”, and knew only that he was said to have been “very tall, very good-looking” and had “been killed in the war”. When we received the scroll this week, enclosed was a copy of the research that the Auckland Museum had done on Uncle Dud, stating that he had been killed at the Battle of Passchendaele, Belgium and that his name was noted on the Tyne Cot Memorial, near Ypres, Belgium. They even provided us with details of where in the memorial we could find his name.

As it seemed the fitting thing to do, seeing as the Parkinson family are so huge and far-flung, Mum decided to donate the scroll to the Opotiki Museum, so that it shall be able to be viewed by all of the family for years to come. If you are descended from the Parkinsons of Opotiki, you may view this and other Parkinson family memoribilia at the Opotiki Museum, Church St, Opotiki (opposite the Hiona St Stephens Church).

Today, April 25th, is ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand. On 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed at what is now Anzac Cove in Gallipolli, Turkey. It is not celebrated as a military victory as it was certainly not that, rather a date to remember the thousands of New Zealand and Australian soldiers who were killed both at Gallipoli and in subsequent campaigns in later wars. CLICK HEREto read all about 25 April 1915 and see the horrific statistics. It is always celebrated somberly in our family as my grandfather fought at Monte Cassino and at El Alamein. We were lucky, as he survived both battles, and indeed 4 years of military duty, to return home and marry my grandmother. He rarely spoke of his time fighting, and he returned to Cassino in Italy for the 60th anniversary, accompanied by my mother. It was a very special trip.

Today is the day we commemorate those who laid down their lives for their country so that we who have followed may have the freedom we enjoy as a nation today. Today we thank them for their sacrifice.

THE BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE – 12 OCTOBER 1917

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row… “

“90 years ago New Zealanders took part in the Battle of Passchendaele in Flanders, Belgium. In fact, 12 October 1917 represents the worst military disaster in our nation’s history when more than 2,800 New Zealanders were either killed, wounded, or listed as missing. Some of them are buried in war cemeteries row on row but many have no known grave — they simply lie in Flanders fields where the poppies still blow.

This online exhibition is the RSA’s commitment to ensure that New Zealanders who lie half a world away in the fields of Flanders are never forgotten. By remembering on 12 October – whether in Belgium or at home – you are keeping faith with that solemn request in the final lines of that most famous poem:

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Hi. My maiden name was Parkinson and my great great great great grandfather was John P Parkinson. My father was Howard John Parkinson. Am interested in my family background and found this article interesting. I live with my husband in Raumati on the Kapiti Coast and we own and manage a post shop/Kiwibank.
Thanks for your article.

Noticed your blog and thought I’d drop you a line. You and I are definitely descended from the same line. I’ve got a couple of greats less then you in John P’s line up so I guess that makes me a wee bit older but not that it matters at all. If you’ve been following some of the replies I’ve posted on this page than I won’t have to repeat myself again.
I’ve been living in the UK for the past seven years and have only very recently relocated myself to Perth WA. If you look me up on facebook you’ll also be able to meet quite a few of you’re Kiwi Parky relatives and some new found Aussie ones as well.

Hi
My Name is Don Murray I am the eldest Grandson of
Bernard ( Bert) (Bat)PARKINSON who is the elder Brother of
Eustance Lionel Parkinson
My Mother Margaret was the third in line of ten chrildren of Bert and Anne Parkinson (nee Maka)
Please have you any other names re Parkinson
Cheers DonM

I know of the soldier you speak of because my Uncle went one year & took at photo of the wall with his name & also of my great grandmother’s brother’s plaque, Hue Pera. My maternal grandfather was Jerome Rangipuatea Parkinson, son of Frederick Charles Parkinson, son of Arthur & Jemina Parkinson.

My name is Christina Currie (nee Parkinson) and I live in Melbourne Aus, but born in Thames, NZ. Parkinson of Opotiki is my family bible also – though the only copy we have lives with my grandfather, Stanley Hurleston Parkinson, son of William Edward Parkinson, son of William Walter Benjamin Parkinson, son of the famous John P. Parkinson.

ANZAC day is a special one for me – I’m a singer and every year I sing the anthems (yes, the kiwi one too!) at our local RSL in front of about 1000 ppl. I met my partner on ANZAC day (he’s a soldier) and of course I always pay respect to Grandad who was part of the allied troops that cleaned up the mess after Hiroshima.

Just wanted to touch base and let you know I’m out here reading your post.

Hello Christine,
I too live in Australia and it seems your great grandfather William Edward Parkinson married a distant relative Dorothy Pascoe(Hurle) in NZ in 1923.Dorothy was a double orphan,as she lost both parents before her 5th birthday,we have only just learned of this link to your Parkinson family.Would love to hear from any of your family regarding Pascoe family history.

I am John, the Uncle that my niece Michelle Mycroft spoke of in an earlier blog.
I do have a photo of Dud’s name on the NZ Apse for the Missing at the huge Tyne Cot Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium. If you’d like to give me an email address I’ll gladly send you the pic.
Like many others I have a treasured copy of “Parkinson Of Opotiki” and I knew he was one of our relations as soon as I spotted his name when I visited the cemetery in 2004.
Quite a few of us Parky relatives and offspring are also on facebook for anyone who is interested in meeting some more of your unknown Parkinson relatives.

Hi not sure but i would try the opotiki muesem and they may it and be able to photo copy it. Iam another relation i am the great granddaughter to J P parkinson i have some info on our family. MY GRANDMOTHER WAS THE DAUGHTER OF JP HER NAME WAS BERYL HARRIOT PARKINSON.

Sorry to take so long to reply to your query. Apparently we have a family member who can get copies of the Parkinsons of Opotiki book, directly from the publisher. They are NZ$25 each. If you’d like the contact details, I will gladly pass them on and you can contact her direct :)

Hi I would be interested in getting copies of the Parkinsons of Opotiki book, directly from the publisher. My name is Syd Parkinson, my father was Sydney Metcalf Parkinson, my Grandfather was Stanley Cole Parkinson & Great Grandfather William Walter Benjamin Parkinson & would love to get a copy, thanks!!

Hi i am the greatgrandaughter of the JPParkinson opotiki i think he and two brothers went to australia and he and one of brothers came on to nz. The other brother syayed in Australia there was a rift as the Australian one owed J.P for the passage from England and had nothing to do with the two that came to nz. I have alot of info and there is a relation in Austalia Corrine Parkinson who has alot more.

I am the grandson of Laurence George (Lon) Parkinson, brother of Bert. I now live in Launceston, Tasmania, where I have been for 22 years. Incidentally, our ancestors, John and Bridget Kelly were married in Launceston and Mary Ann Kelly, mother of Bert and Lon was born here.

For a while, Owen Parkinson, a great grandson of Alf Parkinson, lived here. he is now in Victoria. John Crosswell from Opotiki, also a Kelly descendant, lives here too.

I have a PDF copy of John P’s diary outlining his knowledge of the family if anyone wants a copy.

Hi Greg
I am an outsider to the Parkinson family but married to someone who has blood connections. My mother-in-law is the granddaughter of Roseanna Alberta Parkinson born 1891, and I understand there was at least one other child and her name was Madaline Alice. Her parents were Mary Anne Elizabeth (nee Capper) and John Parkinson who married in 1890. I have nothing other than that info I’m afraid. If your John P is the same one or an ancestor I would love a copy of your PDF diary thank you.

Hi Greg
My mum Colleen Kelly gg grand daughter of John & Bridget was great friends with Win Parkinson & I have copies of your letters to Win & Harry about your Kelly discoveries (Molloy etc) it would be great to catch up & share info now that both ladies have gone.
Alan Feasey

I’d like to add to this site having just stumbled across it..
My father is Eddie Parkinson, 2nd youngest son of Bert & Annie [nee Maka] Parkinson of Opotiki. I was born in Opotiki. Living in Australia [Qld] since 1977 still very much a Kiwi. I’ve found as I get older the desire to collect family information grows, especially with our kids growing up here. I would dearly like details or photo copies [will gladly pay] on the Parkinson’s especially what Greg has, John P’s diary. We do have a great history good to see there are plenty of gathers out there.
My e-mail mjpnz54@msn.com
Thanks heaps for anything.

I am happy to pass on everything that Greg has forwarded to me (no charge – of course!). I will compile his various emails into one document and forward that to you later this week. I was trying to find a way to share this online, but so far the only way I can think of it is to share it via a public photo-sharing site such as http://www.flickr.com. If I can do this, I’ll post the link to it here so that everyone can have access to it. I already have an account there for my jewellery, so it makes sense. I just need the time to do it…!

I am looking for family info for John P. Parkinson (born 1785) who Married Susannah Mellor( born 1783) in 1805. I have been looking for 15 years. Sure would like to find John P.s parents etc.. god bless all of you.

Hi Donald i have some info that will be of help to you, John P’s dad was Thomas b.1791-1861 he married Sarah Jenkins b.1808-1879 on the 8th September 1817 Holy Trinty Church Stapleton Gloucestor. Thomas father was John Parkinson of Bristol John married Hannah Maskilll(Marshall in some reports) of Nailsea Somersetshire they were married 1st june 1780 at St.johns church Bedminster Bristol, the line before that is Johns father Parkinson of Doncaster Yorkshire he married a woman with surname of Huxtable. There is castle connected to the Parkinson’s its called Featherston Castle which still stands today, back before surnames became the thing Parkinson’s came under Featherston the grounds surrounding the castle were very Park like it became known as Park in the sun things change hence the name Parkinson ( and we are all like little rabbits to many to count) i have been doing the family tree for abt 30 years so i hope this helps
You are welcome to e-mal me Flashmeg@slingshot.co.nz
My father is Edmund his father was Bernard (bert) His was Edmund Albert,His father John P and so on
so goodluck
Regards Meg

My Mum has Lionel’s medals – she applied for some that had never been applied for before (and came from England) and also bought one here in NZ from a collector (not sure which ones though). They are currently all available for viewing in the Opotiki Museum, where they will remain so that the entire family has access to them :)

Hi Amanda and all the descendants of JP and Mary Anne. My name is Marlane Ellis I am the Great Grand-daughter of Arthur and Grand-daughter of Fredrick Charles living at present in Geelong, Vic. Greetings also to Michelle Mycroft – Hi Michelle your Grandad Jerry is my mum Isobels youngest brother. Would anyone have any info on the family history of their time in Ballarat. I do know that Maryanne was arrested and fined for stealing money off a customer after a card game. The only info I can find on the Hotel she ran in Ballarat leads me to believe it may be the Provincial, built in 1854 and known as Irwins the time frame is about right. From what I can gather JP and Arthur settled in Opotiki around 1857 leaving Maryanne here with the younger children, they followed later. I’m hoping to go to Ballarat this weekend, dont know how much I can find out though.Anyway cheers family,
marlane

Thanks Amanda. I’m hoping to get more information from NZ. I will keep everyone up to date with info as I get it. Its great having the contact with other family members even though we number somewhere in the hundreds.This is a wonderful point of contact for us all,
cheers Marlane

yes I remember your Mum as one of the beautiful grand Aunties that live in Christchurch. My Mum is over in Aussie, Anna. She’s near or in Tenterfield on a farm with her partner.
Love the interesting knowlege you have of the Parkinson tree.
Did you notice John P in the replies above? That is your cousin Jerome, My mum’s brother. He is currently in Perth.

Hi Michelle and Jerome,
Great to make contact, I haven’t seen my cousins since we were kids at Aunty Jean and Uncle Percy’s in Hamilton.I’m so glad you remembered my mum Michelle she’s dead now, that whole generation has gone, Aunty Lucia was the last. I have a picture at home in NZ of Maryanne Parkinson nee Cole wife of JP. and am hoping to take a history tour of Ballarat tomorrow. Apparently JP went to Opotiki with Arthur my Great grandfather in 1857 or thereabouts leaving Maryanne and the younger children in Ballarat. Apparently Maryanne after playing cards and drinking with a customer (I think she ran what is now the provincial hotel) invited him up to her bedroom. When he removed his trousers she took his money and threw him out of the room. Apparently she was arrested, charged and fined I think about 5 pounds. Going by the size of the lady in the photo I wouldn’t have argued with her either lol! JP was a member of the Opotiki constabulary and in one of those strange cases of fate that only happened in New Zealand was involved in a lot of the problems between the settlers and Whakatohea the local tribe to which some of his great grandchildren would one day belong. Two of his Grandsons married Maaka women, Kahora (my nan) and Annie. Not sure if that’s fate or Karma!
Anyway I’m hoping to contact John Cresswell tonight so might have some more info tomorrow,
cheers marlane

Wow, what great info! Annie Mary Maaka married Bert Parkinson (my great grandparents – Barbara Parkinson was my grandmother, who passed away 5 yrs ago). And I loved the story of Maryanne (nee Cole) – I saw the photo of her and thought the same thing – she was a very formiddable woman LOL!

Good luck on your fact-finding mission and please keep us posted :)

Does anyone have any info on the Facebook page for Parkinson family members that someone mentioned at some stage? I’d love to join, if you do!

And I must say, I’m absolutely thrilled that my wee post has caught the attention of so many family members – just love t’interweb for things like this! Fantastic!

Hi Amanda,
I’m not quite sure what the connection is between Annie and Kahora I’m wondering if they might have been cousins because I only remember my nan mentioning her sister Polly, do you think you could find out for me. I met a young man called Alistair Parkinson some years ago he was also a descendant of Annies I guess he is related to you also. If you could let me know because I have the Maaka Whakapapa on my computer if anyone is interested.

Hi Marlane,
I’m Alisters brother, we meet up in a wee place just out of Taupo [the name eludes me] back in 1990, there was a gathering on a farm. Yes, stating the obvious here, we are related, huge family aye? Very interesting reading all this history. My Dad [Eddie] is the brother of Amanda’s Mum. I’m also very interested [where can it be purchased etc?] in “The Book, on The Parkinson’s of Opotiki” Is it written by a family member? or an outsider. great work everyone.

Hi Mike,
That would have been at Ralph Bournes farm at Owhango, God mate that was 20 years ago!!!! I would love to find the connection between Kahora (my nan) and yours. We can match them through whakapapa – Nans father was Maaka Pera Te Toa her mother was Rangihuatake. Maaka Pera was Ngati Rua, his whakapapa derives his line from Tutamure of Ngati Rua and an extinct hapu called Pane Nehu. Their waka was Nukutere. Rangihuatake her mother was descended from Rongomaiwahine of Mahia and Kahungunu Takitimu waka and Paikea of the Horouta.
That gives you something to go on. It means basically that if they were sisters we as their descendants share a unique bi – cultural heritage. Fantastic stuff. This kaupapa just keeps getting better eh what??
Cheers whanau, Ka kite apopo
naa Marlane

Hi Marlane,
I’ve had no luck finding out about any connection btwn Annie and Kahoro unfortunately :(

Sorry – thought it best to let you know, just in case you were wondering what had happened to me LOL! Been busy with a new job, and the family, my website etc – not much time for alot of anything else lately.

But just wanted you to know. Will keep looking and if I find anything, I’ll definately let you know :)

Yes I was remembering that your Mum had passed away a few years ago. I went to Aunty Lucia’s funeral & have photos on bebo & facebook from it. Oh by the way, Jerome changed his name to John a few years ago. There is still 1 Aunty alive, she is grandad’s half sister, Mary Walker & lives in Kawerau. She came up for Aunty Lucia’s funeral but it was a little hard for her because others in the family don’t recognise her.
I must get a copy of the Parkinson book too.

Hi Michelle
I forgot about Mary. I was living in Kawerau in 1967 when one day my neighbour asked me about my family and where they were from. When I mentioned the fact that my grandad was Fred she told me that Fred was her Aunty Mary’s dad. I remember ringing my mum to tell her that she had two more sisters and a brother – she was stunned. Apparently Faye, Jean and Lucia knew but the others didn’t. Anyway as soon as mum saw her there was no doubt she was definitely Freds daughter. So that’s how Mary found her family.
Before I forget, talked to John Cresswell tonightl. JP went to Opotiki in 1866 not 1857 as I had previously thought. John brought his mother out from England to Australia about 1854 (approx) and she is buried in Melbourne. Mary Ann was the proprietor of the Courts Reef Hotel 12km from Ballarat which no longer exists. Apparently there is nothing left of the family that can be traced there any more so a trip to Ballarat would be a waste of time. I’ll wait for my copy of the Parkinsons of Opotiki to bring you up to date with anything else,

Hi to all..
I am the youngest of Jerome Rangipuatea Parkinson their not much too add as my brother John Parkinson & neice Michelle Mycroft has given the base of most Parkinson of Opotiki yes Anzac great day of remberance too everone who has served not only our whanau but other…Every Anzac service done @ skol my 14 yr old sing Nz athem both version @ skol parade….hold special meaning to her grandpa also…… im base in Brisbane Northside love to catch up with other Parkinson in ozzie.. my email, honeebab@hotmail.com or face book nanatweedy@live.com

Hi Honee you were about 5 years old when I last saw you. I guess you’re a big girl now LOL!!!! Interesting korero. The blend of the two cultures is amazing. Talking about Anzacs, I saw a beautiful framed photograph in a picture framers window this morning of the Australian 11th Battalion taken at the Great Pyramid in Egypt. Right at the bottom of the photo it said that a soldier had died 2 days before but in true australian fashion because he was a mate they werent going to leave him out of the photo so they dressed him in his uniform and laid him on the steps of the Pyramid, you could see these two arms sticking straight up in air and two stiff legs. Imagine two Maori’s standing next to a corpse having their photo’s taken? I dont think so!
Anyway whanau great to catch up with you all,
love and kisses to everyone, Marlane

Hi Manda, Don and Marlane,
Phew where does one begin. Thanks again Manda for being the Hostess with the mostest and for allowing all of your Parkey rellies the use of your website.
Don I’m sorry that I haven’t sent you the photo you requested last year. Will get onto it, but if any of you are members of Bebo then click onto my profile and look at my photo albums and you will see pics that I took from two years consecutive Anzac Day Parades that I attended in Ypres, Belgium where I have shots of Lionel’s name on the NZ Apse for the missing at Tyne Cott cemetery which is where they brought most of the remains of soldiers killed in the battles for Passcendale and the surrounding areas.
Marlane, it’s great to hear from you again after a zillion years. Would be good to catch up with you again sometime if you are still here in OZ. For you’re benefit on my Bebo Profile I have included pics of myself and brother Jules at the NZ Memorial for the missing, Polygon Woods, Ypres where Nanny Kahoro’s Brother Hue Maaka Pera’s name is inscribed on the wall. He was a member of the Pioneer Battalion and died there in WW1. Check it out and get back to me with comments etc.
For any other Globe-trotting Parkey members with the wonderlust we also have a couple of other fallen members mentioned in our family bible who lie in Greece at Phaleron Cemetery near Athens(One of the Kellys) and the other in the Military cemetery on the lovely island of Limmnos which had a hospital set up to deal with sick and wounded from the Gallipoli champaign. Drop by and pay your respects. Lest We Forget!
Arohanui John P

Kia ora John,
its just wonderful to be doing catch up with everyone. It was actually your dad who told me about Hue. I followed up what I could about where and when he died. My understanding is that he died I think in February 1918 at about age 20. He was killed while digging trenches along with another young Maori soldier from the same area back home. Imagine how much pain our GGrandmother Rangihuatake must have felt losing her boy so far away from home and not being able to have a tangi for him.
I found a copy of Grandads military pension payment on the net from when he returned from the Boer war. It’s all so interesting. I would love to do catch up with everyone, I guess it will have to be at home, this nanny has to go home in the next 2 weeks to look after my 2 moko’s, their parents have decided to take a marriage sabbatical – no stickability this generation.Anyway please all keep touch, will try to do the Bebo thing in the next day or two John,
Ka kite ano, Marlane

Hi there, Just came across this site while searching for parkinson`s. I have been researching the family for some time now. I am originally from Opotiki, Now in Hamilton NZ.
I have Fredericks Children as follows,
Samual, Fiona, Leopald, Lucia, Junita, Jean, Joyce, Anne, Fosh, Isabella, Jules, Jeremy,Rangiputea, And Carmen.
Would very much like any more info on spouse`s and children, Have got a few of the spouse`s

Hi Colin. I’m Isobels daughter, My father was Runi Waretini and my two brothers are Wayne and Michael Waretini. Samuel died when he was a baby, Fiona (Fay) married Jack Cain and had one son Mervyn. Leopold (Leo) married Nita and had five children,Juanita (Uni) married Fred Hollis and had Gloria, Brian, Colleen and Ivan. Ivan was killed in Canada. Jean Married Percy Kerr but had no Children. Joyce died without issue. Anne (Annis) married Alan Campbell and had four children, Bevan,Sherrin, Narissa and Coralie. Foch was never married. Jules (Uncle Mike) married Zenda i’m not sure how many children they had nor Uncle Jerry and Aunty Babs, John Uncle Jerry’s son can fill in the details there. Hope this helps,

Is this really you! I have been trying to track you down as I am coming to Auckland on Sunday to stay with Kevin and Cecily for two months and would love to catch up. I think I found Adam on Facebook so have sent him a message but your name didn’t come up at all.

Funny about ancestry. I have just been tracking mum’s family and have discovered a cousin in Wellington I have never met.

Just decided to type your name into Google to see what came up and hery presto!!!

Hi Colin, I am the grand daughter of Rangipuatia Jerome Parkinson who was married to Hinekoia Puhatoto Rotohiko.
They had 16 children altogether. Joyce Ruth who married Daniel Paraone Hapurona & had 4 sons. Daniel, Glen who died of cancer last year, Brownie & Casey. She then married Paul Clapshaw & they live in Panmure. Then Joette Maybelle Parkinson who had 4 children to John Flowers. Veronique, John, Lesley Anne & Kyle. She never married & lives in Auckland. Then Anitini Anne who is my mum & she married Paul Nimmo & had Paul & me. Then she married Robert Stowers & had Barrie. She now lives in Australia with her partner Peter Maybene. Baby Hinekoia was born but lived for 11 days. Then Uncle Jerome now known as John was born & grandad rejoiced for his boy. He married Linda Lindsay & had 3 daughters, Tara, Gaynor & Claire. Next is Frederick Charles & he had a daughter to Sue Brown named Tina Marie. He then married Sally Shine & they have 3 children, Gloria, Marlena & John. Raemon was next & he married Suzanne Bledisloe & had 3 boys. Reon, Waaka & Raimona. He is married to Luana Makene & they live in Moerewa. William Byron is next & he married Astor Toia & had Che, Kathy, Shaness, Hira & Jor-el. He is now with his partner Aroha Te Waake & they have 3 children, Te Aroha, Raemon & Benyamin. Vallon married Ruth Williams & they have Jeremiah & Annabelle. Next was Baby Jerome was still born. Lucynne has 2 daughters, Hinekoia & Hineatua with Graham Jackson, a son, Jacob, with Richard Priest, then she married David Cooper & had Samuel & Joshua. Jules had 2 sons with Eileen Adams, Jeremy & Pare Marcus. Gene married Sharon Forbes??? & they had Tahu, Sharne & Maihi. He is now with his partner Tui & they have 3 boys & a girl. Te Toa, Haunui, Kayla? & I will have to check my whakapapa for the proper names of the last 2. They also had 1 child die from syds. Athol had 1 daughter, Jaimie, to a Rikihana from Kaikohe. Edward had a daughter, Gemme to Rayleen Duffy, a son, Saan to Maria Carroll & married Ranui Clark with no issue. He now lives in Australia with his new partner. Honee had a daughter, Olene to Matthew Absolum, 3 daughters to Richard Peni, Mary, Kataraina & Hayley. At last count there were 127 of us from Grandad & Nana, but we have had a few more since then. I have 4 children & 3 grand children. My older brother has 7 daughters & 3 grandchildren. My younger brother has 2 boys. Parkinsons breed like rabbits. Lol!!! So here is the order, Joyce, Joette, Anitini, Hinekoia, John, Frederick, Raemon, William, Vallon, Lucynne, baby Jerome, Jules, Athol, Gene, Edward & Honee.

Hi i am a decendant of j parkinson and i have placed the book in a safe place. i believe you cannot get the book anymore. but when i find it i will share information. i didnt know j parkinson had a dairy.

Hi Marlene and Michelle ,
I would like to thank you both so very much for all the info you gave me..
I Come through James Henry`s side of the family. I grew up on the family farm just east of Opotiki, and i have the Parkinson `s of OPotiki Book but have found a few things are incorrect in it.
Must admit that i am a bit of a geneology nut when it comes to the parkinson family . so i have had to pick up all my info from other members and research.

You’re most welcome Colin glad to have been of some help, Do you know where Sarah Parkinson (our great grandmother 4x removed,) ie JP’s mother is buried in Melbourne? i was hoping John Cresswell would know but he doesnt either. I’m living in Geelong 75kms from Melbourne and would like to find her grave if I can.
Cheers Marlane

hi Marlene this is Megan Michael & Ali’s sister i also met you thru Stella how are you . I can tell you that ggmother is buried in Footscay Melbourne not sur what cemetry but that should not be hard to find goodluck

This may seem random! but i was searching the nz ird website for unclaimed money. Noticed that your whanau have a few people who have a fair bit of money owing, although 1person stands out more so than the rest, Rangipuatea Parkinson. I highly recommend someone check it! Check the website http://www.ird.govt.nz/unclaimed-money/

Wow, this www is amazing! Here I was thinking a random search for Lionel Eustace Parkinson would probably give me nothing and I’ve just spent ages reading messages from relatives left and right! I am Kerry Bunting nee Parkinson, daughter of Ian Oscar (descended from John P and all the Opotiki crowd) – my dad was cousin to Colin (above), who I remember from my teen years – and I have dabbled in the family history over the years. My daughter and I are taking a trip to Europe including a visit to the battlefields in Belgium and were told our tour guide could find relatives memorials if given info. I am thrilled to read above that I can pinpoint it for him! Living in Australia now myself, have always been interested to know what happened to the “lot that stayed behind” when our rellies went on to NZ, so would love to make contact with any Victorian relatives as our elder daughter is in Melbourne and we often visit. My email is kez3989@gmail.com. Does anyone have info about Richard William Parkinson (son of William and Caroline and cousin to Lionel) who was killed at Gallipoli in 1915? My dad used to have a copy of the “bible” but not sure where it went after my parents passed away, maybe my brother has it. Grateful for any info.